“The contract between FC Bayern and Qatar Airways ends by mutual agreement after five very exciting years together,” Bayern said in a statement today. The report came as a bit of a surprise, as reports have been circulating in recent weeks that those responsible on the Isar would tend to extend it.

Qatar was probably against extra time – because of the rainbow tie?

As the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” reports, the negotiations between Qatar Airways and FCB were very advanced. Accordingly, there were already contracts ready to be signed. According to the paper, however, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ultimately vetoed and canceled the planned extension.

According to reports, the World Cup in Qatar, especially the events and debates surrounding the German national team (rainbow armband, gestures by the German players before the Japan game), contributed to Qatar ultimately deciding against an extension.

FC Bayern is now looking for a new sleeve sponsor

With the end of the controversial cooperation, Bayern now have to look for a new “sleeve sponsor”. Not an easy task, especially from a financial point of view. According to rumours, the German record champions collected 25 million euros a year from Qatar Airways. It is not clear who will succeed the Qatari airline. According to “SZ” information, airlines from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considering a partnership with Bavaria.

As Sport1 reports, talks with potential sponsors are already underway. According to the TV station, the Bayern bosses are quite optimistic about finding a partner who pays as much as Qatar Airways.